Frontline Innovators: Transforming Defense Technology with AFWERX and Second Front Systems | The Pair Program Ep43

In this enlightening episode, we explore the groundbreaking work of Second Front Systems and AFWERX – both organizations that are driving technological advancements for our nation's warfighters. Join our guests, Donald 'Chee' Gansberg and Enrique Oti, as they share their remarkable journeys and insights at the intersection of software innovation and national security.

Chee, a former special operations forward air controller turned software evangelist at AFWERX, and Enrique, Chief Strategy Officer at Second Front Systems and retired Air Force Colonel, provide unparalleled perspectives on government tech modernization and the challenges of navigating the federal acquisition process. They delve into the mission of AFWERX to foster internal innovation within the Air Force and Second Front

Systems' quest to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and government utilization.

From overcoming bureaucratic barriers to building trust with the government, this episode offers invaluable insights for

anyone passionate about defense tech innovation and the transformative power of collaboration between startups and government agencies. Tune in to discover how these visionary leaders are reshaping the future of defense technology.

About Donald ‘Chee’ Gansberger:

Chee Gansberger was a computer programmer in the IndyCar series and the Silicon Valley who decided one day in September, 2001, that he'd rather jump out of airplanes and blow things up. After years as a special operations forward air controller including numerous deployments as a front-line operator, he ended up first in traditional acquisitions and then in the innovation scene. After helping usher in modern software reform while part of DIUx he then moved to AFWERX, as a software evangelist trying to bring innovative use of software to the warfighter.

About Enrique Oti:

Enrique Oti is the Chief Strategy Officer of Second Front Systems (2F), where he fast-tracks government access to disruptive, commercially-proven software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications for national security missions. Prior to joining 2F, Enrique had a 23-year career in the United States Air Force, during which he served in multiple assignments as a cyber warfare officer and China Foreign Area Officer. Enrique commanded an intelligence support squadron in Korea, and was a co-founder of the Defense Innovation Unit in Silicon Valley. He co-founded the Kessel Run software development program, and in his final assignment served as the Kessel Run commander, retiring as a Colonel. Enrique earned a BS in History from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an MS in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College, and an MA in International Relations from Zhejiang University in China, where he studied as an Olmsted Scholar.

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